New York Times: Murray discusses denial in personal relationships

An article in The New York Times on the psychology of denial and the role it plays in everyday life looks at research conducted at UB by Donald Ferrin, now at Singapore Management University, on trustworthiness. The article also quotes Sandra Murray, professor of psychology, on the use of denial skills in personal relationships by people who overestimate their partner's strengths and play down their flaws. "The evidence suggests that if you see the other person in this idealized way, and treat them accordingly, they begin to see themselves that way, too. It draws out these more positive behaviors," she said.